Psalms
Chapter 4
2
Lord, You Give Me Peace in Mind
Answer when I call, O God, my justice!When I was in distress, you gave me solace.Have compassion on me and hear my plea.
3
And you, people, how long will you harden your hearts? How long will you delight in deceit and go in search of falsehood?
4
But you must know that the Lord has shown his kindness to me. When I call to him, he hears me.
5
Be angry, but don’t offend.Keep your words to yourself, when you are in bed, and be still.
6
Offer the sacrifice commanded by the law and put your trust in the Lord, your God.
7
Many ask, “Who will give us a happy time? Would, that his favor shine upon us!”
8
You, O Lord, have put joy in my heart; more than by giving me wine and food.
9
I lie down and sleep in peace, for you, alone, O Lord, make me feel safe and secure.
Commentaries
4
To forget to thank may be wrong, but to refuse to ask is a thousand times more harmful. This psalmist will not make that mistake: he has learned from experience. The happiness and peace he knows are enduring and fulfilling. He has found his comfort zone in the Lord. Despite his trials and struggles, he is at peace with himself and God. Few understand this: the celebrations of harvest time seem to satisfy others. There is no harm in these things—they are gifts from God, and we enjoy them gratefully. Our mistake is thinking they can bring lasting satisfaction. To be at peace with God is to be at peace with oneself.
Trust and even joy are possible amid trials (cf. 2 Cor 7:4; Gal 5:22; 1 Thes 1:6). Jesus, in Matthew 5:22-26, tells us to reconcile quickly if we become angry to avoid unwanted consequences.
Like the psalmist, if we want to sleep peacefully at night, we should not carry our anger into bed with us.